Playmaker SV Sunil, who is also a key component in the team, has been named vice-captain.
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In a shocking turn of events in Indian hockey, long time captain Sardar Singh was removed from his leadership role and replaced by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for the contingent heading to Rio Olympics.
India hockey squad for men’s and women’s sides was unveiled in the capital on Tuesday with FIH President Leandro Negre, Hockey India president Narinder Batra, BJP chief Amit Mishra, Sports minister Vijay Goel and BCCI chief Anurag Thakur in attendance.
Sreejesh has been one of the pillars of Indian team over the past few years and his promotion as the skipper is simply a reward for his service to the national team.
But the move comes after he was accused in February of sexually harassing a woman who claims to have been his former girlfriend, accusations that Singh has strenuously denied.
“In a team, during a game, I need players who take responsibility”.
“Though I am the captain, there will be rotational captaincy”.
India finished last among the 12 countries that participated at the London Olympics in 2012.
Although not one of the favourites at next month’s Olympics in Brazil, there have been encouraging signs for India of late and they were runners-up in the recent Champions Trophy.
“You have seen in the last couple of years that we are getting better and better”, said the 62-year-old Dutchman.
Sreejesh was chosen ahead of Sardar Singh, who led in most worldwide tournaments until the Champions Trophy in London last month.
Meanwhile, Sardar Singh is axed and this team now will look to perform at the upcoming Olympics.
The men’s team is placed in Group B along with Argentina, Canada, Germany, Ireland and Netherlands.
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Sushila had captained the Indian team in Ritu’s absence during their tour of Australia earlier this year.
